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Using Context Clues

a reading strategy that helps you define unknown words to make strong readers

5 Types of context clues

• Inference

• Definition

• Example

• Antonym

• Synonym

Inference

• use surrounding words in sentences + prior knowledge = word meaning

Defintion

• the word's meaning is given in the sentence using signal words

• signal words: is, are, means, is called, or

Example

• the word's meaning is given by use of examples. Sometimes in a list.

• signal words: such as, for instance, like, including

Antonym

• the word's meaning is given by also using its opposite in the sentence.

• signal words: but, however, unlike, although

Synonym

• the word's meaning is given by also using a word that is similar in the sentence.

• signal words: also, as, like, same, similarly, too

Let's Practice

1) Read the sentence and choose the type of context clue being used

2) Think of a 1 to 2 word definition for the underlined word.

Poll

After pulling weeds for 5 hours on a burning hot day in mid-July, Troy was feeling listless.

• Inference

• Definition

• Example

• Antonym

• Synonym

Poll

Everyone likes to be around Ray because of his blithe spirit. In fact, his cheerful attitude is rather contagious!

• Inference

• Definition

• Example

• Antonym

• Synonym

Poll

Citizens of the United States have certain unalienable rights. These are rights that cannot be taken away.

• Inference

• Definition

• Example

• Antonym

• Synonym

Poll

“I can’t believe you believed those spurious rumors about me!” Sidney cried. “Not one of them was true!”

• Inference

• Definition

• Example

• Antonym

• Synonym

Poll

“The tuba is such a corpulent instrument. I wish you would consider playing something small and light, like the flute,” said my mom.

• Inference

• Definition

• Example

• Antonym

• Synonym

Multiple Choice

For the past two hours, my dog has been trying to wriggle free from his constraint.

• Inference

• Definition

• Example

Open Ended

What can be the meaning of the underlined?

Multiple Choice

An accidental circumstance, meaning a situation or condition, occurred at this moment which largely affected his future.

• Example

• Definition

• Antonym

Open Ended

What can be the meaning of the underlined?

Now YOU try!

1) Read the sentence and choose the type of context clue being used

2) Write a 1 to 2 word definition for the underlined word.

Multiple Choice

He stumbled forward at the impact but showed no other sign of falling.

• inference

• antonym

• example

Open Ended

What can be the meaning of the underlined?

Multiple Choice

Gentle and careful not to injure, like hurt her shoulder, he hugged his little sister.

• inference

• synonym

• antonym

Open Ended

What can be the meaning of the underlined?

Multiple Choice

The year 2020 is a significant year. Unlike the 2019, which was not so memorable.

• antonym

• example

• definition

Open Ended

What can be the meaning of the underlined?